Breakthrough in myth of African ‘King Arthur’ after discovery in centuries-old rubbish pile

An archaeology team carry out field work in Old Dongola, in Sudan, which was once the capital of the Christian kingdom of Makuria (Picture: M. Rekłajtis/PCMA/Cover Media)

An Arabic text found on a centuries-old rubbish heap has confirmed the historical existence of an African King whose mythical status mirrors Britain’s King Arthur.

The document issued in the name of the Nubian King Qashqash turns him from a semi-legendary figure only mentioned in later literature into a historically verifiable monarch.